The Mill is excited to welcome Bianca Michetti as the Ceramics Studio Apprentice for 2024! This apprenticeship is a year-long training program that prepares a single apprentice to manage and operate a functional ceramics studio. Born on the north shore of Kauaʻi, Bianca is not just practiced in ceramics but also a painter, muralist, photographer and digital artist. 

We look forward to having Bianca in the studio more often this year! Her enthusiasm for ceramics and passion for creativity are sure to make her a valuable asset to the team. Be sure to say hello to her when you’re at the Mill & stay tuned for updates on her projects and learning throughout the year. 

Follow Bianca’s year on Instagram: @the.potters.apprentice

From Bianca

“I am so grateful to be a part of the community here at the Donkey Mill Art Center. I recently celebrated my two year membership anniversary and consider the ceramics studio to be like my second home. It’s rare to find a creative space like the Mill. From my first class with Jake Boggs, I have been encouraged to take new risks that push me outside of my creative comfort zone. I have always felt a wonderful sense of creative freedom here and look forward to every session in the studio.

While I don’t have an extensive history with clay, it has quickly become a favorite medium of mine. I have a background as a painter working with watercolor, acrylic on canvas, digital art and photography. I feel like I grew up with a brush in my hand and I love finding ways to tie my background in those mediums into my ceramics projects. My first steps into the world of ceramics were in San Pedro California at Blue Water Clay. I impulsively signed up for a beginner wheel class when out on an art walk through South Pac Avenue. Although the basics did not come naturally to me, I was hooked from the very first session. I still use my first piece, a humble 5” snacking plate glazed in tenmoku all the time. I am looking forward to taking on more complex projects this year while continuing to expand and explore my own style.

As the apprentice for this year, I look forward to exploring various elements of ceramic design and learning what it takes to go into production pottery. One of my goals is to create and document sets that display both unique form and function while weaving in some of my skill set as a painter during the glazing process. Along with my personal project goals, I am excited to learn how to recycle clay on a large scale, how to manage a studio, assist with different events and learn how to operate the kilns. I am stoked (to say the least) for the opportunity and excited to be working with Jake Boggs as my mentor. Looking forward to everything that my apprenticeship in 2024 has to offer.

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